Funky Mojoe is inviting clubbers to pay £20 entry and bring their own alcohol to get around new licensing rules.

The South Woodford bar surprised customers and nearby residents alike when it announced it would open until 3am on March 8.

Alcohol sale times were cut back to 11.30pm on Friday and Saturdays, compared to 2.30am previously.

But allowing people to bring their own alcohol could be a loophole in the restrictions.

Managers on Funky Mojoe’s Twitter feed hailed the night as the “opening weekend” for their “whole new concept”.

Some drinkers were celebrating but not everyone was impressed. One customer tweeted: “£20 entry? Ouch.”

Cllr Richard Hoskins, who had campaigned with residents for more than five years against late openings at the bar, said the move flew in the face of a High Court ruling earlier this month.

Cllr Hoskins said: “Funky Mojoe is cocking a snook at residents, the court and the council.”

The future of the popular nightspot in Woodford Green High Road had looked uncertain when it was shut at the weekend.

After almost a year battling against new licensing rules by Redbridge Council, the club lost its fight in the High Court earlier this month and was ordered to slash its hours.

A licensing review had followed years of residents’ complaints over noise and anti-social behaviour.

A Redbridge Council spokesman confirmed that the court decision included “all licensable activities”, including music.

He added: “The council has reminded the operators of the club of the conditions of its licence and the consequences of any breaches of these.

“The council will continue to monitor the situation closely.”

Funky Mojoe has not responded to repeated requests for comment from the Recorder.